In an era which produced some of Fitzroy greatest ever champions, John Murphy stood taller than the rest.

Recruited to the Club from Heidelberg in 1967, he immediately found a spot in the team and enjoyed an unbroken run of 158 consecutive matches – the second longest streak from debut in AFL history.

Murphy was a brilliant ball-winner who gave Fitzroy wonderful service predominantly in the centre or as a rover.

His enormous value to the team was such that he won five Best & Fairest awards – with his first coming in only his second season with the Club.

Murphy also proved damaging across half-forward, and even led Fitzroy’s goal-kicking on two occasions – in 1971 and 1976.

But arguably the greatest individual achievement of his decorated career came in 1973, when he replaced the great Kevin Murray as Fitzroy skipper – a role he cherished throughout his final five seasons at the Lions.